Anti-Frackers Unveil New TV Spot

Opponents of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas unveiled a new television ad Wednesday, targeting Gov. Andrew Cuomo as his administration moves toward making a decision on whether to allow shale-gas drilling to proceed.

The ad will air in the New York City and Albany markets, according to New Yorkers Against Fracking, a coalition of drilling opponents. It’s being financed by Washington D.C.-based Food and Water Watch, and it’s not clear how often the ad will run.

The TV spot is an updated version of a nearly identical version that aired in the Southern Tier last year. It features a handful of Pennsylvania residents detailing their problems with the natural-gas industry. But the spruced-up version of the ad seemingly ups the ante—including a picture of a cow alleged to have died near a drilling rig and more specific tales of apparent human health impacts.

Again, the updated ad begins with an image of Cuomo and ends with urging viewers to call the governor’s office. His administration faces a Feb. 27 deadline to finalize a set of proposed fracking regulations or allow them to expire. A separate environmental analysis has to be released at least 10 days prior, while the state Health Department’s review of the potential health impacts will be completed “in the next few weeks,” according to Commissioner Nirav Shah.